Sari Jane Home Accents
So it was a little over 2 years when I first met Jill Corbett from Sari Jane Home Accents www.sarijane.com.au. We had both travelled down from Queensland to Sydney to attend our first Workshop at ISCD. At the time we were both studying the Certificate IV in Colour and Design and were keen to learn more. We had never met prior to this and have not met in person again since this time. However, in the world of social media, Jill and I have foraged our careers side by side and watched each other grow..
I would never had imagined that a 2 day meeting would turn into a wonderful friendship nearly 2 years later. Funny enough at the time Jill and I had never heard of Instagram and really didn't know where this new creative path would take us. Fast forward 2 years and Jill has created a beautiful, inspiring business called Sari Jane Home Accents. She is also still working in the family business "Corbett Homes" www.corbetthomes.com.au and raising 4 amazing boys, so she is one busy lady.
Jill took some time out of her hectic schedule to answer some questions for me about Sari Jane and to give and insight into owning an online shop...
Tell us a little about your background and the creation of Sari Jane Home Accents:
The story behind Sari Jane probably started 16 years ago. Over that time I developed and nurtured our family business, Corbett Homes, while developing our house into a home. Any chance I had you’d find me scouring homeware stores from the city to eccentric outback towns looking for kitchen essentials and gorgeous homewares. Then one day I realised I was no longer content with delighting in the details of my own home. I wanted to bring to others a collection of thoughtful essentials for the kitchen and the table, handpicked items that would enrich your gatherings Australia-wide, with all these homewares available online.
But the story probably started well before that. It really comes from my own experiences as a child. Growing up in a quaint cottage on the top of a mountain range, far from civilisation, in a small town called Eungella, which means ‘the land of the clouds’, this is when I learned the art of gatherings and homemaking.
Setting the dinner table was a ceremonial experience. Dinner itself was a time for family. Fun was found in simple pleasures like growing vegetables, cutting fresh flowers from the garden, foraging and exploring the natural world. In this digital age, the opportunity to get together with friends and family, within the comfort of our own homes, is something I hold sacred.
What do you enjoy the most about Sari Jane?
The excitement of receiving new stock into our headquarters will never fade! We also adore our styling and photoshoot days. But nothing quite beats the interactions that we have with our customers, and the beautiful heartfelt messages we get from them when they receive our goods. That, warms the heart.
How do you decide what wares to stock in Sari Jane?
A table holds memories of love, laughter, shared meals and inspiring conversations. It is the focal point of every gathering I’ve ever hosted. And to style a table for a gathering of loved ones is a beautiful way to celebrate those special bonds. We have an insatiable passion for tableware, we have a keen eye for wood, or organic products, we are drawn to handmade ceramics. Products that make these gatherings unique, beautiful and satisfying are what we desire as part of the Sari Jane Story.
What have been the highlights of Sari Jane so far?
Just last week we introduced handmade wooden spoons to Sari Jane Home Accents – an Australian exclusive!
Handmade in London using English and American walnut wood, these spoons will make a welcome addition at your next dinner party, high tea, or even at the breakfast table.
Each of these handmade wooden spoons are unique, with variations in the grain, colour and size giving each spoon its own character. All handmade wooden spoons are sanded to a smooth finish and dipped in linseed oil and beeswax to preserve and protect them.
What advice would you give to those wanting to start their own creative business?
If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I would love to own a brick and mortar shop one day. But right now, the time is not right.
How would you describe your own personal interior styling style?
Subtle Scandinavian with a hint of industrial!
If you could do anything (business or personal) what would it be and why?
What I am doing right now.
Name 3 inspirational people that you admire and why?
Cindy Chen is a Melbourne based freelance stylist and photographer, specialising in food, product and lifestyle photography. I am in awe of her style and her photography.
Beth Kirby who gathers and wanders while making,cooking,and styling while exploring the art of simple living. I covet her style.
Kara Rosenlund celebrates a love for authenticity and adventure through the eye of her camera. Her styling is stunning, and not that I have ever met her, but we have crossed paths through social media avenues and I believe she is simply a lovely person.
Thanks so much Jill for allowing us into your world and the wonderful experience that is...
